How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels? A Simple Task Many Households Overlook

Bath towels are items we use daily, yet many people don’t pay enough attention to their cleanliness and hygiene.

 

 

The Importance of Washing Bath Towels

When discussing personal items that come into direct contact with our bodies daily, bath towels rank just as high as clothing. On average, a person uses a bath towel at least once a day, and even more frequently—up to 2-3 times a day—during hot weather or after intense physical activity.

Despite frequent use, many people neglect to clean their towels regularly. According to Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., an honorary professor at Simmons University in Boston, “The nature of towel use means that we come into close contact with them across all parts of our body, from head to toe.”

This means that bath towels, though seemingly harmless, can harbor a shocking amount of bacteria. To maintain hygiene, it’s essential to wash towels at the right frequency.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels?

Bath towels are designed with thick cotton fibers to absorb water effectively, but this also means they take longer to dry compared to regular clothing. Many people avoid washing their towels too often, considering it time-consuming and inconvenient. Some households even go weeks without cleaning their towels.

However, experts warn that this is a serious mistake with potential health risks. According to WireCutter (a NY Times publication), bath towels accumulate dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria from the human body. If not washed regularly, these impurities remain on the towel, increasing the risk of skin infections, eye irritation, and fungal growth. Everyday Health also states that dirty towels can cause unpleasant odors and contribute to skin diseases.

For optimal hygiene, Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., a professor at the Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson, recommends washing towels after every use, or at least every two to three days. Most importantly, towels should be completely dried after each use to prevent bacterial growth.

The key to maintaining a clean towel is keeping it dry. If washing immediately isn’t an option, towels should be hung under direct sunlight or placed in a dryer. However, washing them frequently remains crucial—not just for hygiene but also to maintain the towel’s softness and absorbency.

Best Way to Wash Bath Towels

To achieve the best results, towels should be washed with hot water and detergent, then dried at a high temperature. Dr. Reynolds states that this method is the most effective in killing bacteria and mold spores. If a towel develops a musty odor, additional deodorizing steps, such as using vinegar or specialized cleaning agents, may be necessary.

Additionally, washing towels separately from clothing can help prevent lint buildup and potential damage from zippers or metal fasteners.

Some people worry that frequent washing will wear out towels quickly. To prolong their lifespan, Better Homes & Gardens suggests purchasing high-quality towels with a high cotton percentage. The GSM (grams per square meter) rating found on towel labels can indicate quality—soft, absorbent towels typically have a GSM of 600-900.

“A well-made towel can withstand up to 1,000 washes, even in an industrial washing machine,” experts say. By choosing the right towels and maintaining proper washing habits, you can ensure long-lasting freshness and hygiene.